Q: It’s my first semester at college, and I’ll be going home soon for Christmas. In high school, I was active in our church youth group and all that, but after being here I’m not sure what I believe. How can I tell my parents I don’t go to church now? They’d be very upset. — Z.B.

A: Your situation isn’t unique; college students often face questions they’ve never thought about before — questions that make them doubt their faith, or even toss it overboard. And doubt isn’t the only problem; often it’s simply a matter of social pressure or being away from home for the first time.

Let me ask you a question: What are you doing with your doubts? Are you seeking answers to them, or are you content to let them take root in your mind and soul? To be frank, it’s often easier to enjoy your doubts and let them grow (and one way to do that is to stop going to church). There’s also something exhilarating about leaving your childish ways behind, including your immature faith.

But doubt will never lead you to the life God has for you, and that’s why I hope your doubts will spur you to seek answers. And there are answers to be found; some of the greatest minds in history have been believers. Your parents may not understand everything that’s going on in your life right now, but they’ll be grateful if you’re honestly seeking answers.

Most of all, I urge you to look at Jesus Christ, because through Him we can come to know God. At Christmas, we remember that He was God in human flesh — and because of that, the Bible says, in Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Q: I’m not sure I believe in God. I’d believe in Him, I suppose, if He actually spoke to me or something like that, but He never has, and I doubt if He ever will. I’d like to believe, but I just can’t make myself do it. — A.D.

A: Very soon we will be celebrating Christmas, and my prayer is that this will be the greatest Christmas you have ever had. And it can be, once you realize what happened on that night in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago.

Why do I say this? The reason is because on that night God stepped down from heaven and came to live among us. He did this in a way that is almost beyond comprehension: He became a baby! Even before Jesus’ birth, the angel told His mother, Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come on you... So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Jesus was more than just a great man; He also was God in human flesh — fully man, and yet also fully God.

Yes, you wish God would speak to you so you could know for sure that He exists. But He has already spoken to you — and to the whole human race! Do you want to know what God is like? Look at Jesus Christ, and when you do, you’ll discover not only that God exists, but also that He loves you and wants you to come to know Him personally.

And this can happen, as you turn to God in repentance and faith, and turn your life over to Jesus. Don’t let your doubts crowd out Jesus, but let Jesus crowd out your doubts. And He will, as you come — like the shepherds on that first Christmas — and humble yourself before Him.

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